Photography by Michelle Nash

When I was fresh out of college and discovering my personal style at home, I bought a set of small floating shelves. Emphasis on small. It was what I could afford at the time, and I placed them over the sofa in my living room. The shelves only had room for small trinkets and frames, and the look was not at all what I was going for. Instead of a cohesive collection of pretty decor, it ended up looking unbalanced and sparse. Nothing seemed to fit. I learned a valuable design lesson that day: scale is truly everything. 

Now with a bit more design knowledge under my belt, I know I would have gotten way more bang for my buck if I had decided to save for one big statement piece instead of a handful of small decor items. I’ve learned that strong design doesn’t come from accumulating more, but from choosing singular objects that can anchor your space. As the saying goes, less is more! And a single object can hold big energy.

Let Statement Decor Pieces Do the Work

Statement pieces will create the balance every home needs to feel relaxed and at ease. No need to purchase a plethora of tiny trinkets, just a few larger-scale items. Not sure where to start? Ahead, I’ve rounded up a few ideas to help you confidently choose larger pieces of decor that have presence and purpose.

Vases

A large vase is a fantastic investment and can create a beautiful focal point for an entryway table, a kitchen island, or your dining room table. Opt for an oversized vase with a sculptural silhouette—think curves or slight asymmetry. A beautifully shaped ceramic or stoneware piece can act like a piece of art in your home, and you don’t even need to fill the vase for it to create an impact. The shape will do all of the work for you, but feel free to add a few branches if you’d like to add even more height and presence. A statement vase is akin to a sculpture, and will instantly elevate whatever surface it rests on.

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Centerpiece Bowls

A generously sized bowl can ground an entire surface. Centerpiece bowls are ideal for dining tables, consoles, or large kitchen islands. The key here is restraint—you want to choose a bowl that’s large enough to be the focal point of your surface, without anything else surrounding it. Let the bowl stand alone, a true centerpiece! For your centerpiece to really shine, opt for a bowl with a striking texture, like wood, ceramic, or stone. If you decide to fill it, stick with natural items like seasonal fruit or veg. Just remember to keep the decor contained by the bowl and allow for negative space on your surface.

Sculptural Objects

A well-chosen sculptural object blurs the line between decor and art. Open shelving, mantels, entryway consoles, and even standalone pedestals practically beg for statement sculptural objects. It can be tempting to fill an open shelf with small pieces of decor, but one abstract or organic form will command attention all on its own. If you’re looking to add personality to your space without excess, choose a sculptural object you feel drawn to. Then place it somewhere you can admire it, and give it space to breathe. Bonus point if it catches the light.

Wall Art

I’ve always dreamed of owning a large, custom piece of art. Gallery walls have been popular for a long time, but one large-scale piece over a collection of small frames creates instant focus and calm. A single large-scale piece creates a focal point in a living room by hanging over the sofa or mantle, or in a bedroom by hanging over the bed. A large piece of art will anchor the room’s palette and can serve as the main source of inspiration as you decorate around it. Large mirrors can work as well—just be sure the reflection catches something beautiful, as opposed to a bare wall or a cluttered corner. Adding a piece of art you love creates a room that feels grounded and intentional. Let your statement piece lead, while the rest of your furniture and decor quietly support it.

Lamps

Lighting is an often-overlooked design element, but good lighting dictates the ambience and atmosphere of your space. Adding a statement lamp is, of course, functional, but it can also add to the vibe of your room in more ways than one. Statement lamps add both visual weight and warmth, and can act as another piece of art. In a corner, it creates purpose; on a bedside table, it adds balance and glow.

When browsing statement lamps, look for sculptural or architectural shapes, textural shades and bases, and be sure you know what kind of light it emits. Keep in mind that different lamp shades and bulbs offer different kinds of light. You may be looking for a soft glow if you’re browsing bedside lamps, or you might need brighter light for a living room or office. When thoughtfully scaled and designed, a lamp becomes more than just lighting—it becomes the focal point of the room.